Port Lavaca store owner arrested on drug warrant

The owner of a Port Lavaca convenience store has been arrested again on a warrant accusing her of manufacturing and delivering controlled substances.

Diem Ngoc Luong-Chau, 36, of Port Lavaca, was arrested by deputies from the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday evening after she sold undercover agents bath salts, a cocaine-like synthetic substance, and Kush, a synthetic marijuana, Sheriff B.B. Browning said.

Luong-Chau was arrested in January for the same offense. Her husband and two convenience store clerks were also arrested at that time.

Luong-Chau was the only person arrested on Wednesday at the Times Market at 312 Travis St.

Deputies seized the cash in the store and are freezing Luong-Chau's bank accounts. Browning said they are working with the Calhoun County District Attorney's office to seize the store as well.

Synthetic drugs, such as Kush and bath salts, were added to the Texas Controlled Substances Act in September. These drugs are classified as substances that might be used for medical purposes, but have high potential for abuse under the Texas Controlled Substances Act.

Luong-Chau was arrested on a warrant charging her with manufacturing and delivering a controlled substance greater than two grams but less than four grams, a first degree felony.

If convicted, she could face a prison sentence ranging from five to 99 years or life imprisonment and a possible fine up to $50,000, according to the Texas Penal Code.